Brooke DeNovellis has been a dedicated member of the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee since 2016. She played a key role in planning Sidney’s Sesquicentennial celebration and has been actively involved in promoting events that bring energy and life to the community. During her time on the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Brooke helped launch the Downtown Sounds concert series and successfully led the event for several years, establishing it as a local favorite.

A Sidney native, Brooke takes great pride in her hometown and has loved raising her family here. Her deep roots in the community and passion for helping it thrive make her a valued voice on the committee.

Marva Ellwanger has served on the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee for about 10 years and is widely recognized as the group’s resident historian. With a passion for preserving and sharing the rich Wild West history of our region, Marva writes engaging local stories and plays an active role in heritage tourism. She is a dedicated member of the Camp Lookout and Boot Hill Cemetery Committee, where she helped restore Camp Lookout and helps with Ghost Tours at Boot Hill Cemetery—bringing local legends to life.

Marva’s deep knowledge, storytelling talents, and enthusiasm for local history make her an invaluable asset to the committee. Learn more about her work at SidneyStageCoach.com.

A long-time advocate for local tourism, Gina Elsen has proudly served on the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee for nearly 20 years. With a background in hotel management, Gina first joined the committee to be more involved in the travel and tourism industry. Though no longer in the hotel business, her dedication to the community continues through active volunteer work at local events—often alongside her daughters.

Gina’s passion for Cheyenne County shines through her support of events and organizations that bring people together. She is a member of the “Be Here” suicide prevention group and has previously served as an alternate on the Cheyenne County Fair Board. In recognition of her dedication, Gina was honored with the “Friend of Tourism” award in 2014. When she’s not volunteering, you can often find her enjoying live concerts or fishing in Nebraska’s great outdoors.

Anne Rexroth joined the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee as an alternate in 2021 and became a voting member in 2022. With a life rooted in agriculture, both professionally and personally, Anne brings a unique perspective to the committee—one shaped by livestock shows, rural pride, and community connection. Her travel experiences often revolve around her daughters’ activities, which frequently lead to meaningful conversations about Sidney’s impact on visitors. Just recently, at a livestock show in Franklin, she spoke with a father who praised Sidney’s holiday tournament and promised to keep bringing teams from Geneva.

A proud resident of the Gurley-Dalton area for over 20 years, Anne is passionate about representing and promoting her community. She’s been instrumental in supporting the revitalization of events like the Fall Festival and the Cheyenne County Fair—key attractions that benefit greatly from the support of the Visitors Committee.

Sherri Twombly’s history in hospitality and as a sales manager for Hampton Inn helps her bring her welcoming charm to the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee. Always up for a challenge and learning something new, Sherri enjoys strategic partnerships and meeting with the leaders and investors who hope to shape the future.

One of the aspects she’s most excited to promote? The friendly, family-oriented attitude that can only be found in small towns. Coming from a big city, it’s a change of pace, but one she values and feels honored to be a part of.

Matt Elston joined the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee in 2024, bringing with him a love for hospitality and a deep appreciation for small-town charm. After moving to Cheyenne County in 2020, Matt and his wife Sarah opened Elston House in downtown Sidney, a welcoming space that reflects their passion for community and connection. They also ran a successful Airbnb in Sidney for three years, offering visitors a warm and authentic local experience.

Outside of business, Matt stays busy with his children’s 4-H projects and can be found at the fairgrounds throughout the Cheyenne County Fair, supporting their show animals and soaking up the spirit of the event. His hands-on involvement in the community and commitment to creating memorable experiences for visitors make him a valued member of the committee.

Sonia Corne is no stranger to the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee. Having volunteered with the Visitors Committee once before, she enjoys the work involved in fostering meaningful relationships and collaborations. It’s a labor of love that helps build a sense of community involvement and impact. That’s one of her favorite aspects of Cheyenne County: the small-town vibe and how everyone can know everyone and help each other.

In addition to the Visitors Committee, Sonia has also been involved with the CASA board for 3 years.

Brenda Parsons is an avid fan of history. She enjoys learning about the past of small towns and rural communities. It helps her connect to the lifestyles of the lands. In addition to being a member of the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee, she is also a member of the Lodgepole Community Improvement Board and a member of the Kimball County Transit Service advisory board.

Brenda is excited to help promote the history of Eastern Cheyenne County, learn more about the entire county, and help promote its uniqueness to visitors.

Becky Rowan is an alternate board member of the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, and has been blessed to raise her family in the small communities of Cheyenne County. She is passionate about sharing the warmth and charm of small-town living with every visitor who passes through.

When she’s not volunteering at her church with JAM sessions and the Mission Vision Committee, you can find her cheering on kids at the local high schools, golfing, reading, traveling, and camping with friends and family.